The Blogs | CAR SPOTLIGHT BMW PERFORMANCE IMOLA

When at Imola the other week I spotted a couple of interesting looking factory modified BMW's sitting in the paddock. First up the 123d here is fitted with the full BMW Performance package, which adds some tantalizing parts like the sportier front bumper, side skirts with air intake...

...and a nice carbon lip spoiler.

Sitting next to it was this 335i sedan, wearing some very aggressively styled 19-inch wheels. We asked the guys at BMW if we could take the car into the pits to grab some quick pictures, something they were more than happy to arrange.

The 1-series however had already been moved into the little display booth in the BMW hospitality area, but it didn't matter as the tiled floor and excellent lighting made for a nice ambiance.

The exterior package is joined by a pair of reclinable bucket seats, clad in soft suede and leather. They are even fitted with a side airbag, just in case things go wrong.

They are accompanied by the sports steering wheel, which on top of the suede leather features a digital display on the top part of the rim and sequentially lit LED strips just like on an F1 steering wheel.

The BMW Performance treatment is topped off with carbon fiber trim for the interior.

The 123d rides on special 18-inch wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires. Lowered suspension help sharpen up the handling while the massive 6-pot calipers from the 135i keep braking under control.

Carbon mirrors are the cherry on the cake!

The sedate look of the 4-door 335i has been spiced up with BMW Performance front and rear bumpers. Notice the blacked out grille, a very nice touch.

Under the hood the twin turbocharged 3L straight six has been remapped to offer an additional 20 HP, bringing power up to 326 HP. Torque gets a nice bump too.

Here is a closer view of those BMW Performance 19-inch wheels. Would have been nice to see the same 6-pot brakes from the 123d used on the 335i, as I'm sure they would definitely come in handy given the power and weight of the larger car. It is great to see BMW is giving enthusiasts top quality products to spice up their cars, let's hope the line-up will grow in the future with all other BMW models being catered for.

H2O Kalmar GMT DLC (new bezels / new handsets)

By TLex H2O Watches are now offering three NEW bezels and two NEW handsets for their Kalmar GMT DLC. The bezels are as follows: DLC filled with SL BGW9 markers in either 24hr, 10min or 5min scales. The blue luminous material will match the hands and dial markers.



The handsets are as follows: set of four chromed with SL BGW9, set of four metallic silver with SL BGW9. These new configurations are in limited supply. H2O have a total of just nine pieces, which are as follows . . .



3x H2O Kalmar GMT in DLC with chromed handset
3x H2O Kalmar GMT in DLC with metallic silver handset
3x H2O Kalmar GMT in DLC with black hour / orange min / black+orange second



Please email H2O Watches directly to check for pricing and availability. For further details on H2O Watches please follow the link at the bottom of the post . . .

BREITLING new COLT collection

By TLex INTRODUCING the all new BREITLING Colt family, which consists of three new Colt models: the COLT Chronograph II, COLT 44 and COLT 33 . . .



FRONTRUNNER The same spirit but a new look. Breitling has entirely redesigned its Colt model, a symbol of sturdiness, reliability and performance. A sculptural model carved in steel, the new Colt turns heads with its original styling clearly built for action, achievements and thrills. With its solid construction and its water resistance to 300 meters (1,000 ft) or 500 meters (1,650 ft), it establishes itself as an exceptionally sporty model, a champion and natural frontrunner.



ORIGINALITY Its originality begins with the bezel featuring a taut, sophisticated shape and stamped numerals, and continues with the case echoing the same outline. The dials are adorned with new rounded numerals exclusively designed for this model, with rhythmical motifs and with a play on colors. The steel bracelet reinforces the unique character of this fresh, youthful and dynamic design, while ensuring optimal comfort and sturdiness.




VERSIONS Available in three versions endowed with strong and distinctive characters, including a chronograph and a ladies’ watch, the new Colt is equipped with SuperQuartz™ movements that are chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), like all Breitling movements.







RENO AIR RACES Reno, Nevada. Every year in September, an array of original planes converge on Stead Airport to take part in one of the world’s great aviation venues: the famous Reno pylon races. Flying at dizzying speeds, these aircraft face off on circuits traced out in the desert, just a few feet off the ground.



MOTTO 'Fly low, go fast, turn left.' As a partner of all the finest hours in aviation, Breitling is the main sponsor of this event that is unique in the world – thereby pursuing its mission to perpetuate the competitive spirit, the taste for performance and the fierce quest for victory.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

The wait is over ladies and gentlemen, next Hypercar Lamborghini made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and dare we say it is a Hypercar! The bull god present a new land, destroying 700hp V12 and the highest power to weight ratio of any vehicle in its class. Yes, the much-anticipated new Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador.



Lamborghini is really good to create a sinister super sports cars, but it is equally talented in their name. According to the company, "Aventador" was the name of the bull, which has become the battle of October 1993, the Arena in Zaragoza, to earn a "Trofeo de la Peña Madroñera The" exceptional courage. Takes courage to stand up against the new world of super sports cars in the game of the new Lamborghini flagship. The world today is very high tech and many new players have entered the arena. Lamborghini has contributed to its carbon fiber monocoque technology and Aventador of 2.9 seconds 0-62 mph, but is it enough?



According to Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "It Aventador is a leap of two generations in terms of design and technology is the result of a completely new project, but it is a direct continuation and consistent values ​​of the Lamborghini brand. It is extreme in its design and performance, uncompromising in its standards and technology, and undeniably Italian in style and perfection. Overall, the quality of the dynamics and the technique of LP 700-4 Aventador makes unmatched Super Arena in sports worldwide. "

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan

The term "cult" refers to a film which, although very good, considering the limited commercial success at the box office. As for cars, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is a bit like a cult classic. Among midsize sedans, which is one of the best you can buy today. But from the beginning of the Kizashi last year, sales have reached blockbuster status exactly. And probably none of his friends have heard of him.



And it's really annoying, because few have the opportunity to see for themselves how the batteries Kizashi compete. From the outside it has a distinct flavor European, almost like the previous generation Jetta Volkswagen. Inside, the premium theme will continue Kizashi (Volkswagen something really left with Jetta this year), drivers impressive with good materials, comfortable interior and solid construction.

On the way, offers the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi a comfortable ride and just enough tension to get the blood pumping. The 2.4-liter engine is adequate for most drivers, but unfortunately, the rumors of a V6 or turbo model has not yet realized. On the positive side, the suspension is firm enough to instill confidence in the curves (especially patterns of new sports this year) without being too harsh.

Despite limited Kizashi Suzuki dealer is definitely worth the extra effort to see if you are considering a midsize sedan, even among the opponents worthy of the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. While the rear seat is a little short on legs compared to bigger models. But alongside the sedan as the most lively of the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Jetta, the Kizashi has much to offer. Suzuki is also one of the few in this class that offers all-wheel drive.



As an independent film laudable, we believe that the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi to see wellness Car of the Year. Now if only we could get it into wide release.

HEXA K500 Update (K500 in plastic 'n' paper)

By TLex Below is the first update from HEXA Watches. Over 100 reservations of the K500 were taken in the first two weeks . . .



From HEXA Above is a spy shot of the K500 case (no bezel) in plastic on an orange test strap (not inc. with watch). We had the design 3D-printed from our CAD files so that we have a physical model to mock up with various printed versions of the dial. The dial and hand details have been finalized and the official prototyping process is now underway.

AUTRAN & VIALA NordSee 2ndLook

By TLex The new NordSee from AUTRAN & VIALA is now available directly from AUTRAN & VIALA. Specifications of the German made diver include: a 41.5mm x 12.3mm stainless steel case with a water-resistance of 300m, a sapphire crystal and an ETA 2824-2 automatic Swiss mechanical. The NordSee is available in two dial colors; black or white and is available either on a sporty black strap or full steel bracelet. Prices range from 795 - 895euro.